Movies That Deserved Sequels (But Never Got Them)

We live in a world of endless reboots and sequels, a world where movie studios will turn every rock and stone to uncover valuable intellectual properties, especially if it’s a property that can be turned into a franchise or potential cinematic universe.

Despite the movie industry’s desperation, every now and then, a really great film comes along that deserves a sequel, but that sequel never comes. This is a world with five Transformers films, with more on the way, and some of the movies we’re about to list can’t get a sequel? This is madness!

We’ve decided to express our outrage on the subject by detailing the movies that deserved sequels but never got them.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Call us crazy, but we dig on this nifty little movie starring, at one-time, everyone’s favorite Hollywood couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. In fact, we’d venture to say that people remember Mr. & Mrs. Smith as the place those two high powered celebrities met each other.

For whatever reason, many seem to forget that this Doug Liman directed film is actually rock-solid. It has some excellent action set pieces, a solid supporting cast, and a genuinely funny script.

While Mr. & Mrs. Smith will always be remembered for the drama which surrounded it off-screen, we’re a little more invested in what happened during the movie. This brings us to the most crucial question of all: where’s our sequel? We’d definitely sign up for another go-round of Brangelina kicking ass and taking names.

Source: Screenshot via 20th Century Studios

RocknRolla

Although Guy Ritchie may not make the most profound or most intellectual films, damn if they aren’t entertaining as movies can get. Everything from Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels to Snatch, we can’t get enough of it. That’s probably why we love Ritchie’s lesser-known film, RocknRolla, so much.

RocknRolla is a lightning-quick romp through the criminal underworld of London, starring Gerard Butler, Idris Elba, and Tom Wilkinson and including a rocking soundtrack. So, what’s not to love?

Moreover, what’s to keep from getting us the sequel we were promised at the first film’s conclusion? The movie ends with the following title card: “Archie, Johnny and the Wild Bunch will be back in The Real RocknRolla.” You made us a promise, Guy. Don’t back out on us now.

Source: Screenshot via Warner Bros. Pictures

Hancock

We’ll be the first to admit that Hancock, the Will Smith vehicle directed by acclaimed action director Peter Berg, is a flawed film. The movie features a supremely entertaining first two acts only to be let down by its terrible third act.

Hancock did an excellent job introducing a strong protagonist only to undo the mystery behind the man with a really flimsy plot. Despite that failing, there’s still good enough here to have us clamoring for a sequel. We could do with a little more poorly behaved Will Smith in our lives. Plus, we’re quite fond of co-stars Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman.

With decent world-building and some solid effects-driven action, a Hancock sequel could make up for its disappointing predecessor.

Source: Screenshot via Columbia Pictures

Jumper

Yeah, yeah, we know. Jumperis a terrible movie that most people here probably don’t even remember. As another film directed by Doug Liman, Jumper follows a young man — played by the astoundingly wooden Hayden Christensen — with the extraordinary ability to teleport anywhere he’s been or seen a picture of.

Jumper isn’t precisely the kind of movie that film studios are itching to give a sequel to. Despite that, there is some potential for a sequel to right the ship. In fact, the film’s supporting cast of Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, and Samuel L. Jackson is strong enough to carry a sequel. Just keep Christensen out of it.

Source: Picture via 20th Century Studios

Constantine

John Constantine doesn’t seem to have the best of luck on his own. The character’s 2014 TV series lasted 13 episodes before being canceled, while the 2005 film received a lukewarm reception from both critics and audiences alike.

That being said, 2005’s Constantineis far from an awful film. In fact, it’s quite enjoyable.

While Constantine might play it fast and loose with the source material, the changes don’t undo the good work done here. As a sum of its parts, Constantine is a film we would’ve watched a sequel to.

Source: Screenshot via Warner Bros. Pictures

District 9

Back in 2009, Neill Blomkamp’s science fiction allegory for Apartheid South Africa was a massive critical and commercial success. It was so successful that talks of a sequel started immediately. Unfortunately, over a decade has passed and no sequel in sight. That’s a shame considering the dearth of original science fiction films being produced nowadays.

Blomkamp did such fantastic work on District 9, especially in light of the whole Halo movie fiasco. So, we have a hard time believing a man this talented and creative doesn’t have some ideas rolling around his brain for a sequel.

Source: Screenshot via Sony Pictures

Dredd

Before we go advocating for a sequel to 2012’s Dredd, we’d watch Karl Urban frown and blow stuff up for an hour and a half regardless of what the film’s plot was. That fact shouldn’t undercut how spectacular this film is.

Directed by Pete Travis and starring Keith Urban as the titular Judge Dredd, Dredd has already developed a dedicated cult following since its release. This is likely due to its excellent action choreography and faithfulness to the source material.

We’re as eager for a sequel as anyone else. Moreover, Karl Urban has expressed a desire to return to the character in the past. So, get on it, Hollywood!

Source: Screenshot via Lionsgate

Hellboy

It’s downright criminal that when discussing the best superhero and comic book adaptations of all time, people rarely speak of 2004’s Hellboyand its sequel, Hellboy II: The Golden Army. While we think the first film is superior to the second, they’re both fantastic films that feature director Guillermo Del Toro’s signature creature design, stunning action sequences, and excellent character work by star Ron Perlman.

Considering Del Toro has said a potential Hellboy 3 would see Hellboy becoming a beast of the Apocalypse, we’re hoping against hope that we get a sequel to these unique superhero films, especially after the 2019 reboot failed to live up to expectations.

Source: Screenshot via Universal Pictures

Serenity

It’s been nearly 15 years since Joss Whedon’s Serenitywas released. Still, the pain is far too much for us here at Goliath to bear.

Serenity is the feature film finale of Whedon’s beloved but tragically canceled television series Firefly. Despite a rabid fanbase and critical acclaim, the movie underperformed. This left the property in limbo as film companies weren’t willing to greenlight a continuation.

Considering Firefly and Serenity are regularly available on multiple streaming services, more people realize how good they are. So why not tap Whedon to continue the franchise? With an ever-growing fanbase and a crew so charming you want nothing more than to pack up your space boots and sign on for space piracy, a sequel to Serenity would be a slam dunk.